opening a UK bank account via internet

jacko


Joined: 20/11/2007
Posts: 193

Message Posted:
01/07/2011 18:32

hi

can anyone tell me if it is possible to open up a uk bank account over the internet without having to go back to the UK to give proof of who i am eg fax or email required documentation. I was with barclays for 30 years but stupidly closed the account when i moved, now I am just a new customer in their eyes and have to visit local bank.

Any advice appreciated thanks

keithr


Joined: 20/08/2008
Posts: 720

Message Posted:
01/07/2011 18:51

I think you will have to go and do it in person with a lot of proof of UK residency,leccy bills,gas bills,etc etc etc ....

araneae


Joined: 24/06/2011
Posts: 193

Message Posted:
01/07/2011 18:55

you can with think bank if you have a uk landline ( skype in ) or uk mobile the will need a uk address though.



http://www.thinkbanking.co.uk/account/what-do-you-get/

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
01/07/2011 18:58

no reputable bank will allow you to open an account via internet fact .

cypgab


Joined: 09/01/2010
Posts: 338

Message Posted:
01/07/2011 19:09

Yup. They need you to sign in person. Be a bit irresponsible otherwise.

TimothyCadman


Joined: 13/12/2007
Posts: 1040

Message Posted:
01/07/2011 19:49

The only bank that may offer you an account without having to visit them is First Direct. They are internet only based but their criteria for acceptance is more critical and having a tracable UK credit score and being on an Electoral Register are really a necessity. You can but give them a try.

araneae


Joined: 24/06/2011
Posts: 193

Message Posted:
01/07/2011 19:52

not true timothy I opened on with http://www.thinkbanking.co.uk last week emaild proof of address and did telephone interview they insisted on calling me on a uk mobile or land line.

carian


Joined: 13/03/2009
Posts: 336

Message Posted:
01/07/2011 21:50

Probably have to go in person to the big UK banks, we didn't need any proof of UK address, just gave them our address here.

mozgor



Joined: 16/06/2010
Posts: 256

Message Posted:
01/07/2011 21:57

It's a legal requirement for banks in the UK to adhere to the Know Your Customer legislation which necessitates you providing Valid passort or valid full driving licence as ID and recent untility bill showing address or council tax bill as confirmation of address (or being on the voters roll works). As stated it's tough to avoid these rules if you are being treated as a new customer. If existing they still ask you to send copies via post. It's all about anti money laundering, drug trafficing, crim and fraud etc.

mozgor



Joined: 16/06/2010
Posts: 256

Message Posted:
01/07/2011 21:59

S'cuse the typos

LondonCypriot


Joined: 15/12/2008
Posts: 426

Message Posted:
02/07/2011 00:38

Try



http://www.cashplus.co.uk



This is an bank account

LondonCypriot


Joined: 15/12/2008
Posts: 426

Message Posted:
02/07/2011 00:39

http://www.mycashplus.co.uk/cashplus-card-uses/bank-account.aspx

Agobard


Joined: 20/08/2008
Posts: 271

Message Posted:
02/07/2011 07:26

You can open offshore accounts on line but you will need a notarised copy of your passport to do this. Normal UK bank accounts are nigh on impossible once you no longer live there.

jacko


Joined: 20/11/2007
Posts: 193

Message Posted:
02/07/2011 09:36

Thanks everyone for all your comments and suggestions.

I will let the board know how i get on if anyone else is faced with the same problem.

cyprusairsoft



Joined: 22/06/2009
Posts: 2066

Message Posted:
02/07/2011 10:22

off shore is best